Moving to the UK for work has changed significantly. Following major policy shifts that fully took effect in April 2024, the route for skilled workers in 2025 is now stricter and more expensive than ever before.
The UK government has significantly raised salary thresholds to reduce net migration, making it crucial for applicants to understand exactly what is required before they apply. If your information is outdated, your application will almost certainly fail.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the new rules for the Skilled Worker Visa in 2025, explaining the salary thresholds, the points-based system, and the exceptions that might help you qualify.
Official Source Note: All information in this guide is based on official guidance from the UK Home Office. Applicants should always verify specific details on the officialgov.uk Skilled Worker overview page.
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- The UK’s New Immigration Turn: ‘Restoring Control’ and the Long Wait for Settlement
1. The “Big Jump”: The New Salary Thresholds
The most critical change impacting applicants in 2025 is the minimum salary requirement.
Previously, the general threshold was £26,200. As of April 2024, this was increased by nearly 50%. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa now, you must usually meet one of the following criteria, whichever is higher:
- The general salary threshold of £38,700 per year; OR
- The “going rate” for your specific job type.
Why is this confusing? Many applicants assume if they are offered £39,000, they automatically qualify. This is false. If the “going rate” for your specific profession (e.g., a Senior IT Consultant) is officially defined by the government as £55,000, then £55,000 becomes your required minimum salary, not £38,700.
You must know the 4-digit occupation code for your job to check its specific going rate. You can search for your job’s code using the official CASCOT coding tool.
2. Who is Exempt from the £38,700 Rule?
There are significant exceptions to the high £38,700 requirement. If you fall into these categories, your salary threshold is lower.
A. The Health and Care Worker Visa
The government has protected the NHS and care sector from these salary hikes. If you are applying for a Health and Care Worker visa (doctors, nurses, senior care workers), your general salary threshold remains significantly lower, usually at £23,200 (or the lower going rate for your profession).
B. “New Entrants” to the Job Market
If you are at the start of your career, the government allows sponsors to pay you 70% of the usual going rate. You are considered a “New Entrant” if:
- You are under 26 years old on the date you apply.
- You are switching from a Student Visa or Graduate Visa within the UK.
- You are working towards recognized professional qualifications (e.g., accountants or architects).
However, even with the 70% discount, your salary must still be at least £30,960 per year (increased from the previous £20,960).
C. Jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL)
The old “Shortage Occupation List” was replaced by the shorter Immigration Salary List (ISL).
If your job is on this list (which currently includes specialized roles in construction, engineering, and biological sciences), employers can pay you 80% of the job’s usual going rate, provided it is not below a general floor of £30,960.
3. The Mandatory Points Requirement (The Core 50)
The UK uses a points-based system. You need a total of 70 points to qualify.
The first 50 points are mandatory. You cannot apply without them, regardless of your salary. You must have:
- A Job Offer (20 Points): The offer must be from a company licensed by the Home Office. You can check the validity of an employer on the register of licensed sponsors.
- A Skilled Job at the Right Level (20 Points): The job must be at RQF Level 3 or higher (generally A-level equivalent or above).
- English Language Skills (10 Points): You must prove you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the CEFR scale. You usually prove this by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider like IELTS for UKVI or Pearson PTE. See the official list of approved English language tests.
Once you have these 50 mandatory points, the remaining 20 points are usually gained by meeting the salary threshold mentioned in section 1, or by having a relevant PhD in a STEM subject.
4. Fees and Financial Requirements in 2025
Applying for a UK visa is expensive. When budgeting for your move in 2025, you must factor in the following costs:
- Visa Application Fee: Roughly £719 (for up to 3 years) or £1,420 (for more than 3 years).
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This fee, which gives you access to the NHS, increased significantly in early 2024. It is now £1,035 per year of your visa. A 3-year visa will require an upfront IHS payment of £3,105.
- Maintenance Funds: You must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days to prove you can support yourself upon arrival (unless your A-rated sponsor certifies your maintenance).
The UK Skilled Worker route in 2025 is open, but it is targeted specifically at high-earning professionals and essential health workers. The days of securing a visa with a £27,000 salary in a generic business role are largely over.
Prospective applicants must ensure their job offer meets the new, rigorous £38,700+ thresholds before beginning the application process. Always double-check your specific job code against the latest government data before submitting any fees.
